The Denpasar City Government in Bali has once again reported an increase in positive HIV/AIDS cases in 2025.
This upward trend is particularly visible among individuals in the productive age group, who are considered the most vulnerable due to high social interaction and mobility.
Recent data show that new cases continue to emerge each year, prompting the local government to strengthen prevention and control measures.
The Secretary of the Denpasar City AIDS Commission, Tri Indarti, stated in Denpasar on Monday that the distribution of HIV cases remains concentrated among productive-age residents.
She explained that individuals aged 20–29 contribute the highest percentage at 38 percent, followed by those aged 30–39 at 33 percent, and those aged 40–49 at 16 percent.
According to her, these figures highlight that HIV/AIDS transmission is still a serious public health challenge.
She emphasized that “The number of HIV/AIDS cases continues to increase from year to year.”
Tri Indarti also detailed that from January to September 2025, a total of 17,028 HIV and AIDS cases were recorded through the Denpasar Health Office services.
Of this number, 9,824 were positive HIV cases, while 7,254 were AIDS cases. This data not only reflects the significant health burden but also the need for more intensive intervention, especially in the area of transmission prevention.
Based on the risk factor analysis, heterosexual transmission remains the most dominant route, accounting for 71 percent of all recorded cases.
Transmission through homosexual contact follows at 21 percent, while infections linked to injecting drug use stand at 4 percent. The remaining 2 percent comes from mother-to-child transmission.
Given these patterns, the local government finds it necessary to expand support services to ensure adequate public access.
Tri Indarti added that the government has established care, support, and treatment (PDP) services across all community health centers and private hospitals in Denpasar.
This expansion ensures that people living with HIV/AIDS can obtain care and antiretroviral medication more easily.
Public Awareness Campaign
Currently, Denpasar City has 33 voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) units, 32 HIV treatment units, 31 sexually transmitted infection (STI) examination and treatment units, 4 units for preventing mother-to-child transmission, 3 sterile needle service points, and 1 methadone service for drug users.
In her message, Tri Indarti reminded people living with HIV/AIDS to remain consistent in their treatment.
She said, “Do not stop taking your medication; be open with your partner (husband or wife) to prevent transmission to them, protect your partner and family from HIV/AIDS, do not stigmatize yourself excessively, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.”
As part of the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration, the Denpasar AIDS Commission and the Health Office carried out a public awareness campaign by distributing roses, educational brochures, and red ribbons to people passing through the Catur Muka area in Denpasar.
This year’s theme is “Move Together, Speak Up: Let’s Collaborate.” The activity aims to increase public awareness about HIV/AIDS and reduce the stigma still attached to people living with the condition.
Denpasar Deputy Mayor I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening HIV/AIDS prevention and response efforts.
He stressed that the city continues working to eliminate negative stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS and encourages them to coordinate with Denpasar City AIDS Commission if they experience discrimination.
This commitment is expected to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
Sources : Republik, Antarabali
Feat Image : GettyImages